Microprocessor controlled fuel filter heater

Abstract

A rubber heat pad is integrated into a fiberglass fiber insulator to form a heater blanket for a diesel fuel filter and other truck components. A controller monitors ambient temperatures and pad temperatures and the battery flow state. If it is cold, and the battery has available power, then a heat pad(s) is turned ON. When the pad(s) gets too hot, then it is turned OFF by the controller. Truck park mode allows AC power. On the road use triggers an inverter to supply AC to the pads.

We claim: 
     
       1. A heated and insulated blanket for a filter with a fluid passing therethrough, said blanket comprising:
 an outer insulated layer having a first vertical end pocket and a second vertical end pocket; 
 each vertical end pocket having a rigid post therein; 
 each vertical end pocket having a heating pad retention pocket facing toward a center of the blanket on an inside surface of the blanket; 
 a heating pad inserted between the heating pad retention pockets; 
 a power cord extending from the heating pad; 
 wherein a coupler urges the first rigid post toward the second rigid post when the blanket surrounds the filter; 
 wherein the heating pad further comprises a silicone rubber pad with a 120 volt AC, 2.5 to 5 watt per square inch mesh; 
 an AC power source connected to the power cord; 
 wherein the AC power source is mounted on a truck; 
 a microprocessor mounted in the truck and having a control algorithm connected to the AC power source; 
 an ambient temperature sensor connected to the microprocessor; 
 a heating pad temperature sensor; 
 said control algorithm modulating the AC power source to turn on when the ambient temperature drops below about 36° F.; and 
 said control algorithm stopping the AC power if the heating pad temperature goes above about 250° F. 
 
     
     
       2. The blanket of  claim 1 , wherein the outer insulated layer further comprises a silicone coated fiberglass fabric. 
     
     
       3. The blanket of  claim 2 , wherein the coupler further comprises a cable tie. 
     
     
       4. The blanket of  claim 1 , wherein the power cord extends through a vertical end pocket opening. 
     
     
       5. The blanket of  claim 1 , wherein the control algorithm further comprises the steps of maintaining a set point temperature for the heating pad using the heating pad temperature sensor. 
     
     
       6. The blanket of  claim 1  further comprising a temperature indicator in a vehicle control compartment using a heating pad temperature sensor signal. 
     
     
       7. The blanket of  claim 6  further comprising a manual power on switch for blanket power in the vehicle control compartment. 
     
     
       8. The blanket of  claim 1 , wherein the truck having the AC power source and the microprocessor is the same truck having the heated and insulated blanket. 
     
     
       9. The blanket of  claim 1 , wherein the truck having the AC power source and the microprocessor is a service truck. 
     
     
       10. The blanket of  claim 8 , wherein the truck further comprises a battery drain sensor connected to the microprocessor, and the control algorithm stops the AC power if the battery drain sensor passes a threshold valve.